Yming

It was an absolute pleasure to eat here. We found Yming by googling the top 10 restaurants in china town and this gem came up in squaremeals link. The staff were attentive, helpful when asked about the menu and nothing seemed too much for them. Not that we asked a lot, but I observed intetactions with other diners. It is a relaxed venue, allowing you the time to eat without feeling pressured. Now to the food. Not one word of complaint here. We were a group of four and selected a variety of foods. Some never heard of before, but as I said, the staff were very helpful. We really enjoyed the experience. I spoke to the manager prior to leaving and gave direct feedback for him and his staff. This review is not only to endorse my comments but also to let others know about a super little place that gives time and attention during the times and demands of todays lifestyle. Definately on the cards for our next trip to London.

I have eaten in Yming a number of times at this stage and have been hugely impressed with the food, service and atmoshere of the place. It is very calm and relaxed for a Chinese restaurant. The menu is very good and combines some “specials/recommendations” with the main menu. The host is a very friendly guy who really looks after you. A great place with excellent food.

We were three people, of a certain age, not up for too much noise, bad service, grotty surroundings, no matter how good the food and we found YMing through Square Meal on the net. What a fabulous discovery. Clean, even around the edges, charming in various shades of blue with a good, easy to follow menu and great service. It's here where many Chinese restaurants sometimes fail – the food and drink might be great, but when the girl serving you speaks no known language except the language of sulks it's off-putting. Our waitresses were great, helpful, fast, brought the food we ordered while it was still hot and the whole experience was a joy. We drank wine by the glass, a beautifully chilled Pinot Grigio ‘blush’ and when we changed the menu half-way through, demanding more of the gorgeous, non greasy, crispy duck, they coped admirably.

just walked in there off the street., they couldn't sit us straight away, but offered a table in 30 min. so after a quick drink around the corner we came back to a more than good chinese meal. the food was good, bordering on excellent, service wasn't the fastest i've experienced, but ok. staff was very friendly though, and at the end, the bill was a pleasant surprise.

Me and my girl friend come here for the pre theatre dinner, the total bill is £65 including a bottle of wine. The food is really good and my girl friend is a vegetarian and the tofu is very tasty. The services is excellent and warm. The decor is ok, but I much prefer this restaurant than those in chinatown. will definitely go back.

Y-Ming is a cut above the plethora of Chinese restaurants in and around Gerard Street. Situated kilter-corner to Kettners, painted unmissable cyan, the restaurant's interior is actually much more calm and restrained than most Chinese places, and the service is top notch. There are plenty of unusual items on the menu, which is not huge by Chinese standards, and it pays to be adventurous and take advantage of the seasonal items on the daily specials list. Dishes sound simple but are very carefully cooked and spiced – on our last visit we were blown away by a dish of cucumber with salt and chilli – incredibly clean-tasting and simple, but beautifully presented and just the thing to cleanse the mouth. Things like Fried Field Mushrooms and Cauliflower Y-Ming style are completely moreish, but in truth none of the starters I've tried have disappointed, and their take on crispy duck (both meaty and vegetarian versions) is a cut above. The only criticism I have is that a lot of it is deep fried so it's hard to be very healthy.

Pass over the familiar and plump for double boiled beef and red date soup, or their Beijing fish soup with its subtle creamy texture. Seafood is always good for the mains – the lobster and crab aren't cheap but they're not that expensive either, compared to other dishes, and the lotus leaf wrapped ‘treasure chest’ is worth trying. Wash it all down with warmed Chinese wine – rich but almost savoury, especially on the nose – and keep the courses coming. The friendly waiting staff will let you order when you feel like it and aren't flummoxed by large groups at all.

Informal, but extremely good food and friendly, smiling service. The vegetarian options are fabulous. Do try the dry fried green beans (really hot and wonderful) and the aubergine. The hot dishes are nice and spicy, the plainer food tasty and made with great ingredients. Try it and enjoy.